The much-contested Dual in the Pool is set to return to Australia for the first time in 15 years with the new addition of an open water event.

Swimming Australia has announced that the rivalry between swimming powerhouses; Australia and the United States will reignite for a three-day event at Sydney’s Olympic Park from August 19-21.

The Duel will kick off at the iconic Bondi Beach on Friday, 19 August 2022, with a 4×800 metre point-to-point open water relay.

When the Dual was last held in Australia in 2007 it didn’t include an open water swim, but Swimming Australia was keen to capitalise on the recent growth in the sport.

“It is the first time ocean swimming will be included in the Dual and it is a testament to the recent boom in ocean swimming,” said Swimming Australia CEO Eugenie Buckley.

“Ocean swimming has grown significantly in recent times, due to the pandemic and lockdown periods, so it is great to see the event being kicked off at one of the most renowned beaches in the world with the open relay event.”

Following the open water relay event, Australia and the USA will battle it out in the pool at Sydney Olympic Park.

“Reigniting the Duel in the Pool will enable us to showcase the best athletes in the world through a format that will bring fans closer to the action and engage the viewing public like never before, all while adding to the great legacy between our two countries in the pool,” said Buckley.

The event is by invite only, but keen ocean swimmers won’t want to miss out on the action which is free to watch from the many vantage points along the beach.